[스크랩] 2024년까지 `오로라` 보기 어렵다...2017년이 볼수있는 최고의 해

오로라(aurora)는 극지방에서 자연이 보여주는 가장 눈부신 빛의 쇼이다.

북극에서 볼 수 있는 오로라를 북극광(nothern light) 또는 aurora borealis로 부르며,

남극에서 볼 수 있는 오로라를 남극광(southern light) 또는 aurora australis라고 부른다.

오로라는 9월에서 3월까지 극한의 추운 극지방에서만 나타나는데 남극광보다는 북극광 관찰이 더 용이하다.

그런데 안타갑게도 2014년을 고점으로 점점 볼수 있는 경우가 줄어들면서 2025년에 가서야 지금처럼 볼 수 있다고 한다.

이유는 11년 태양 주기 때문이다. (아래 그래프 참조)

향후 몇년간은 좀처럼 오로라를 보기 힘들어진다. 따라서 2017년이 오로라를 볼 수 있는 최고의 해라고 할 수 있다.

전 세계적으로 북극광을 볼 수 있는 명소로 30여곳이 있는데 그중에서도 숙소나 교통편을 고려한 최고의 장소를 소개한다.

#10. Isle of Skye, Scotland...스카이 섬

The beauty of the Isle of Skye doesn’t fade when nighttime falls; it’s enhanced by the glow of the Milky Way and numerous constellations above. Thanks to the lack of light pollution, the isle has some of the darkest skies in all of Europe. If you happen to visit in the winter, you’ll have a high chance of spotting the Northern Lights shimmering as well. With nine different spots on the isle to fully enjoy the night sky, you’re spoiled for choice!

#9. Jökulsárlón, Iceland...요쿨살론

Tourism in Iceland has been gaining steam in recent years because of its stunning natural beauty. If you’re planning to visit in the winter, make sure to also factor in some time to view the lights. Many tours leave from the capital, Reykjavik, but you’ll want to choose the tour that takes you to Jökulsárlón, a stunning glacier lagoon even in the daytime. Watching the lights light up the icebergs will make for gorgeous pictures.

#8. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland...캉겔루수아크

The Inuits of Greenland have had some of the best views of the lights for centuries. Their ancestors even have legends about its origins! Greenland has on e of the longest periods in the year where the lights are visible, from September to about April. Since there is little light pollution in the country, you can even spot the lights from Kangerlussuaq, where the airport is located. With clear nights most of the year, you won’t leave the town disappointed.

#7. Tórshavn, Faroe Islands...토르스하운

While technically part of Denmark, the Faroe Islands have a unique identity of their own. It’s still on e of Europe’s least visited places, but the scenery will take your breath away. The capital, Tórshavn, is both a great place to base yourself and a good location to catch the lights up above, even within the city. Of course, if you’d like a quieter location, it’s easy to head out of this small city. on e perk of Northern Light spotting in the Faroe Islands – it’s not going to be crowded at all.

#6. Kiruna, Sweden...아비스코 지역의 키루나

This small city, located in Swedish Lapland, is a great location for trying to spot the lights because of its proximity to Abisko National Park. This park is located in the “aurora oval”, where the lights are most likely to be seen. Head over to the Aurora Sky Station and learn more about the lights from the experts stationed there. Even Lonely Planet agrees – this is a great place to get your aurora fix.

#5. Kakslauttanen, Finland...칵슬라우타넨

While the Northern Lights are worth braving any sort of weather for, the freezing temperatures might have you wanting to head indoors early. Now you can have the best of both worlds at Kakslauttanen Resort’s glass igloos. Get the best view of twinkling stars and the beautiful lights above you while you’re warm and toasty in bed. Talk about the best view before bed.

#4. Salekhard, Russia...살레하르트

While it’s no surprise that the northernmost parts of Russia will give you great views of the lights, there aren’t many travelers that venture that far east. This is a shame, as the Russian city of Salekhard is the on ly on e located in the Arctic Circle. You’re sure to get your fair share of the Northern Lights up there, plus see the unique green glow that locals call the light of the dead. Salekhard is definitely worth a look.

#3. Tromsø, Norway...트롬쇠

This thriving city is located in the “aurora oval” as well, which will give you a great view of the lights for a big chunk of the year. Unlike places with the same latitude as Tromsø, the climate is milder because of the Gulf Stream. If you love good music, you should time your visit to coincide with the Northern Lights Festival. You’ll be entertained by different genres of music, plus see the aurora up above. You won’t find a better combination elsewhere.

#2. Yellowknife, Canada...옐로나이프

There are many places in Canada to spot the Northern Lights because of the country’s latitude. Taking a trip to Yellowknife, however, will let you spot this natural phenomenon at a place called Aurora Village! This aboriginal-owned facility will give you the ultimate experience when aurora hunting. They even have heated facilities to help you stay outside longer. This way, you’ll definitely appreciate the lights more.

#1. Fairbanks, Alaska...페어뱅크스

Alaska, the largest state in the US, has a lot of beautiful spectacles in the sky in the form of the Northern Lights. If you choose to see the lights in Fairbanks, locals say that staying for three days gives you an 80% chance of seeing them. Stay longer to up the odds while you enjoy the numerous ways you can see the lights, thanks to creative tour companies. Head on over to Fairbanks to ensure your success in seeing the lights!

[참고] 남극광 보다 북극광 관찰이 더 나은 이유는?

        아래 이미지에서 보듯이 북극광을 관찰할 수 있는 내륙지역(원으로 표시한 지역)이 훨씬 많기 때문이다.

        유의할 점은 관찰 지역이라고 오로라를 반드시 볼 수 있는 것은 아니라는 점이다.

        오로라의 사냥은 궁극적으로 행운의 게임이라는 사실을 알아야 한다.

        

       

북극광 관찰 지역

남극광 관찰 지역

* 상세 내용(영어) : http://dereklow.co/best-chance-to-see-the-northern-lights-for-a-decade/

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